Jamaica Folklore

Jamaican Folklore, that is the tales, legends, sayings, customs and beliefs of our people, are a part of the oral traditions which have been handed down from generation to generation. Jamaican Folklore shares several elements with our Caribbean neighbours, ours however has two distinct traditions and comprises of a mingling of the island's European and African heritage.  

Previously, the unwritten aspects of our traditions such as superstitions and lore were seen as unimportant. A revision of history, has however taken place and now they are seen as part of the essence of our national heritage. More recently there has been a concerted effort to put them in a written form. These efforts represent an attempt to foster national pride through the preservation and development of our national heritage. Through focus on this aspect of our folklore, new generations, many of whom do not know these traditions, will come to appreciate what was once regarded as ‘just superstition’.

Duppies 

Rollin Calf

River Mumma

Cotton Tree

Animals in Folklore